'Overwhelming response' from locals applying to be crane operators

Construction cranes in Sengkang. Local crane operators are still in short supply, but some respite seems to have kicked in recently, said National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Friday, July 12, 2013. -- ST FILE PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW

By Daryl Chin

LOCAL crane operators are still in short supply, but some respite seems to have kicked in recently, said National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Friday.

In his blog, Mr Khaw said the Building Construction Authority received "an ovewhelming response" of more than 1,200 enquiries from Singaporeans eager to find out more about the job.

On top of that, some 50 local companies have stepped forward to participate in the Crane Apprenticeship Programme (CAP).